Entertainment

5 Games You Should Play in Your Downtime

5 Games You Should Play This Weekend (9/7/12)

1. Super Hexagon

Super Hexagon is described by its creator Terry Cavanaugh as an action game. I might describe it as shapes causing you pain. Yet, this simple iOS game is extremely addictive.

The concept is to navigate a point on a hexagon around past waves of incoming lines. You only have the ability to rotate left and right, and have fractions of a second to avoid being crushed. The visuals are hypnotizing, and are paired with a great soundtrack.

While this game description might not make much sense, all I can say is: If you like high-speed action and very difficult games, this is completely worth the 99-cent price tag. [iTunes link]

2. The World Ends With You: Solo Remix

The World Ends With You was released U.S.-wide on the DS in 2008. This quirky Japanese RPG quickly became a smash; it seemed perfectly built to utilize the DS's touch controls.

Now, Square Enix has released a modified version for iPhone and iPad. Solo Remix easily interprets the DS's touch controls onto the mobile surface, and this is probably one of the most comfortable transitions for such a meaty game. The basic premise is to help the main character and his friends battle against several devious attacks from evil Reapers. The game is set in Shibuya, a trendy section of Tokyo, and takes many influences from Japanese youth culture. So, keeping up with fashion trends can help characters out.

While this is an excellent port of the original, and worth picking up if you're looking for something meaty to play on your iOS device, the only deterring factor is the price. The iPhone version is $18 []iTunes link] and the iPad version is $20 [iTunes link], and they aren't playable on older devices (like the original iPad).

Mark of the Ninja is a stealth game that came out Friday for the Xbox Live Arcade. You're a ninja who is trying to avoid detection, and silently kill your enemies, as you run and climb through a dark 2D platformer.

One of the greatest features of this game is the variety of options available to your ninja, as you attempt to be as sneaky as possibly. You'll even be able to hide under a cardboard box -- a cheeky reference to Metal Gear Solid. The other great thing is the game's art, which is as beautiful and engaging as a modern cartoon.

The variety and depth of gameplay will keep you invested in Mark of the Ninja for a long time, making the $15 price tag a steal.

4. 10000000

It's hard to tell if 10000000's ambiguous name is a blessing or a curse. The game has been out for more than a month, but is still being discovered by new gamers each day.

What makes this game so great? It's a perfect hybrid of an action RPG and a puzzle game. It's not a new genre, but compared to games like Puzzle Quest, gamers will find 10000000 much more fast-paced. Your character must survive a dungeon full of monsters and obstacles, and to help him along, you must match tiles on the bottom of the screen to the actions you need to complete. The game goes on longer with each playthrough, as players are able to upgrade their skills with the points they earn. The goal is to reach 10 million points, which will set you free from your dungeon curse.

Be warned: This game is addictive, and you won't put it down after you spend the $1.99 to buy it. [iTunes link]

5. Fart Cat

This game's title says it all. If you are looking for the juvenile humor from farts mixed with the never-ending cute of cats, spend 99 cents and download Fart Cat now.

The game's object is simple: Feed this kitty the stinky food it desires as fast as possible, so it can emit a noxious blast to scare away its too-friendly owner. The eternal green cloud and fog horn that come from the cat after you've succeeded are the perfect reward, especially for potty-humor aficionados. The speed element and variety of the game make it addictive, and a great distraction when you have five minutes to spare.

If you have time to kill, and just can't figure out what to play, Mashable is here to help with a list of great games to pick up during your downtime.

While this week was light on AAA releases, plenty of great mobile and indie content came out to whet our gaming appetites. Along with some new iOS releases, we also threw in a game or two you might have missed.

Mashable
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